On Thursdays I will feature one thing you can do to boost your child’s development. I will keep it as focused as possible so it’s short, sweet, and easy to use. The age range addressed will vary from week to week, so there will be something for everyone throughout the month.

Cool? Let me give you the back story real quick:

As a pediatric occupational therapist, I do my best to give my little clients’ parents ideas for how they can carryover their child’s therapeutic program throughout the rest of the week. Though it’s tempting to give them a bunch of ideas so they can leave their child’s session armed and ready to go for the next several days, I find it’s often more effective to only suggest ONE THING. Sometimes that ONE THING is very specific (e.g., give him a deep massage with lotion after bath time every night). Sometimes it’s pretty broad (e.g., find opportunities to engage her in fine motor activities that will continue to encourage development of her pincer grasp). And, yes, I’ve even referred a parent to Pinterest before for sensory and fine motor play ideas via Kid Blogger Network. God bless Pinterest.

Anyway…

I have found that giving families more than ONE THING to do each week can be overwhelming and impractical and, more often than not, families are less likely to carryover therapist suggestions when they are given too many ideas to choose from, no matter how fun or great they are. And, honestly, sometimes it’s even difficult for parents to try out that ONE THING. Factors such as limited time, space, energy, or finances can get in the way, and it’s totally understandable. I’m a parent. I get it. Raising a family is tough work. That’s why I try to keep it simple.

Similarly, I want to provide tips and tricks on this blog that are practical and easy to use. Sometimes a list of five or ten things is great. But other times ONE THING is enough.

That’s why I’ve created One Thing Thursday.

Be sure to stop by every Thursday for one quick tip or trick to boost your child’s development!

If you haven’t yet subscribed to the blog or followed MamaOT on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest, now’s your chance! You don’t want to miss out on all the great tips and tricks you can use for those crazy, quirky, sweet, special children in your life.

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